Director Vikramaditya Motwane Discusses Ranveer and Sonakshi’s Off-Screen Chemistry and Unique Review Experience

Vikramaditya Motwane’s Lootera is a poignant tale of lost love, exploring the deep feelings that linger long after parting. The film captures the essence of unspoken emotions that echo louder than words.

When Lootera was released, both Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh were relatively new to the film industry, having been in the business for just three years. With this film, Motwane sought to create a vintage ambiance, focusing on the characters Pakhi (played by Sonakshi) and Varun (portrayed by Ranveer).

Lootera is set in the 1950s, a time when India had recently gained independence and the Zamindari Abolition Act was newly enacted. Ranveer Singh portrays Varun, a conman, while Sonakshi plays Pakhi, the daughter of a Bengali zamindar.

Fast forward 13 years, Lootera is making a comeback to theaters on March 7, 2025, thanks to PVR INOX, aligning with the trend of re-releases in Indian cinema. The continued interest in the film underscores the affection it has garnered from audiences over time.

Interestingly, at the time of its release, Lootera was considered a flop. However, the director disagrees with this assessment, emphasizing that the film didn’t result in financial losses.

“Band Baaja Baaraat and Lootera Are Different”

Vikramaditya Motwane addresses the tendency of audiences and critics to judge films by star power alone. He believes that if a film featuring popular actors doesn’t perform well at the box office, it is swiftly labeled a failure.

Motwane explains, “You can’t put the same standards on Band Baaja Baaraat and Lootera. While both have stars like Ranveer Singh, their stories and genres are different. Lootera is not a straightforward commercial film; it stands apart in its narrative style.” He points out that Sonakshi was taking a risk by choosing Lootera while she was simultaneously starring in commercial hits like Dabangg.

Concerns About Taking Risks Early in a Career

Sonakshi has been open about facing criticism for opting to do an “arty” film like Lootera, which caters to a niche audience. Motwane counters this concern, saying, “Why not take such a chance?”

He elaborates, “Films should be timeless, not just for the two months following their release. Looking at their careers today, Lootera stands tall among their films. It demonstrates their versatility as actors, which is vital for maintaining a lasting presence in the industry.”

A Unique Review Experience

Upon its release, Lootera sparked a variety of reviews, some positive and others not so much. Among them, one review attracted attention because it gave the film five stars while excessively focusing on Sonakshi’s nose. Motwane recalls the amusing moment when Sonakshi reacted with confusion over such a description. Despite the unusual comments, they found humor in the review.

Did the mixed reception bother the young actors? Motwane believes they understood the ups and downs of the industry. He mentioned that Sonakshi felt it was ironic not to receive an award for one of her finest performances, but they all learned to move on quickly.

Behind the Scenes with Ranveer and Sonakshi

Ranveer Singh’s energetic persona is well-known in the film industry. Motwane recalled a moment on the set of Lootera when he had to take away a high-energy Ranveer’s coffee to calm him down, to which Ranveer cheerfully opted for green tea instead.

As for Sonakshi, Motwane described her as wonderful yet occasionally frustrated during long shooting days. He reflected on a scene filmed in a car, noting her complaints during breaks contrasted sharply with her bright demeanor when the cameras were rolling.

Why These Two Actors Were Chosen

Motwane was first struck by Sonakshi’s mesmerizing eyes in her debut film, Dabangg. Similarly, he was impressed with Ranveer’s performance in Band Baaja Baaraat. Interestingly, all three—Vikramaditya (with Udaan), Sonakshi, and Ranveer—debuted in the same year, 2010, which brought them together during the making of Lootera.

The Most Intense and Challenging Scenes

Spontaneity often makes a scene memorable. In Lootera, a pivotal moment arises when Varun has to force Pakhi to take her injection due to her battle with chronic tuberculosis. Motwane remarked on how the scene evolved, showcasing struggle and emotion, adding depth to their performances.

From a production standpoint, Lootera faced multiple challenges, including relocating shoots from Dalhousie to Bengal due to unexpected weather. Motwane recalled that everything imaginable went wrong during filming, including a set collapse. He emphasized that capturing the essence of the story, especially in crucial scenes, was a monumental challenge that tested their determination.

Looking back at Lootera, Motwane recently shared behind-the-scenes stills on Instagram, inviting fans to reconnect with the poignant world of the film. More than a decade later, the landscape of Hindi cinema has transformed dramatically, yet for devoted Lootera fans, the emotions evoked by this timeless film remain ever-potent.